Day: December 6, 2016

The Watch Dogresponse: This is going to be a great thing for Rocky Mount. This will be located right near where I work now.

Representatives from CSX are urging residents in the Twin Counties to come and find out more information about the Carolina Connector Intermodal Terminal.

An open house to share updates on the development of the transformational state-of-the-art terminal will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Imperial Centre.

Kristin Seay, CSX corporate communications manager, said the success of the project requires ongoing and close collaboration between CSX and the Rocky Mount community. The open house is an opportunity to help people understand the phases of the development process and what kinds of activities they can expect to see as well as what is taking place behind the scenes.

“Community members will have the opportunity to talk directly with CSX representatives about topics like terminal design, the development process, types of jobs at CSX and CSX’s community partnerships,” Seay said. “We value opportunities to get to know our neighbors in an informal setting where we can hear their thoughts and answer their questions.”

Announced in July, the $270 million infrastructure is planned to serve as a major transportation hub in the Southeast and a catalyst for substantial economic growth throughout the state. Seay said the estimated timeline is to begin construction of the terminal in mid-2018 and the target date to begin operations is December 2019.

“The CCX will be among the cleanest, most efficient terminals in the country equipped with the most advanced, sustainable technology and environmentally friendly equipment to reduce emissions, noise and light,” Seay said. “The terminal design will incorporate electric wide-span cranes that are almost silent, directional lighting that reduces light on the surrounding area at night, an automated gate system that enhances truck throughput and numerous other cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies.” (Read more)

Longtime Commissioner Robbie Davis was elected unanimously by the county’s seven-member board Monday to a second term as chairman. He previously served in that position from 2009-10. He was the first Republican chairman in recent history.

“There was a lot of bipartisan good will,” Davis said.

Davis was nominated for the position by Commissioner Wayne Outlaw, a Republican, with a second by outgoing Chairman Fred Belfield, a Democrat.

Outlaw was elected vice chairman with a nomination by Commissioner Lisa Barnes, a Republican, and a second by Commissioner Mary Wells, a Democrat.